Industry

Approximately 587,000 Australian workers were exposed to silica dust in the workplace in 2011. It has been estimated that 5,758 of these will develop a lung cancer over the course of their life because of silica dust exposure.

Materials containing silica

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral that is a major component of most rocks, sand and soils. Silica is used to make common building materials like bricks, pavers, concrete, artificial stone products and tiles.

Silica-related diseases

Silica dust particles can travel deep into the lungs causing permanent damage that can lead to serious illness or death. Diseases associated with silica exposure are called ‘silica-related diseases.’

Asbestos support and advocacy groups

Organisations that provide support services for people diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease.  

If you’re having trouble finding the right information or person to assist, you can contact us on 1300 326 148 for help. 

Asbestos detections at the border - Jul-Oct 2025

These data sets are provided by Border Force for publication by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency. Border Force does important work in enforcing Australia's asbestos ban at our border, by carrying out both targeted and random inspections. As well as enforcing Australia's legislative obligations, this is crucial to protecting the Australian public and consumers. 

Asbestos Detections at the Border - 2024-25

These data sets are provided by Border Force for publication by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency. 

Border Force does important work in enforcing Australia's asbestos ban at our border, by carrying out both targeted and random inspections. As well as enforcing Australia's legislative obligations, this is crucial to protecting the Australian public and consumers. 

Permit guidelines

Permits for importing and/or exporting asbestos are strictly regulated. The border requirements are derived from regulations that permit holders must abide by, including all the conditions on the permit.